COLUMBUS—State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) applauded the passage of legislation that updates various laws pertaining to voter registration, as well as procedures for casting, processing and reviewing in-person absentee ballots. The goal of House Bill 41 is to ensure that in-person absentee voters are afforded the same streamlined process as Election Day voters.

“Reducing paperwork and time constraints will assist voters in the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Anielski. “Now in-person voters will experience the same conveniences as Election Day voters.”

Under current law, an in-person absentee voter is required to complete an application and envelope at the board of elections, identical to mail-in absentee voters. HB 41 eliminates needless paperwork for in-person absentee voters, increasing efficiency and reducing expenses for taxpayers.

Instead, voters would simply present a valid form of voter identification—driver’s license, bank statement, utility bill, etc.—and, upon completion, would run their ballot through a scanner. The scanner would provide immediate feedback if the voter has made a mistake, and the ballot would be held until Election Day without being counted.

To avoid any additional complications, House Bill 41 expands options for in-person absentee voters by also permitting them to fill out an application using alternative forms of ID, such as the last four digits of their social security number.

Among other provisions, House Bill 41:• reduces by 10 days the time a voter can apply to correct a precinct registration list or challenge a registered voter’s right to vote;• reduces the time a voter can challenge a person’s right to be a registered voter; and• adds to the time considered to be “during the casting of the ballots” to include any time during which a board of elections processes absentee voter’s ballots before the time for counting ballots.

State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) was sworn in yesterday as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 132nd General Assembly. She represents the 6th Ohio House District, which includes the south-east portion of Cuyahoga County, for a fourth term.

During a press conference at the Statehouse this afternoon, State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) joined other public leaders in highlighting the state’s efforts in recent years to increase awareness and access to suicide prevention programs. She also discussed newly introduced legislation designed to help school districts and private schools across Ohio provide counseling to students in need of emotional support.